How To Lay Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is a great solution for areas where natural grass has trouble thriving, such as shaded spaces under trees. It offers a lush and green look year-round without watering, mowing, or fertilizing, making it a low-maintenance way to enhance your landscape. 

In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook walks through how to install artificial turf beneath a Norway maple. His tips can help you tackle the project yourself at home.

Preparing the Artificial Turf Site

Take the time to prep your area before you dive in. You’ll need to clear the ground and create a base that helps with drainage and keeps the turf stable.

Tools and Materials

Gather the following tools for the project: 

• Garden rake 
• Plate compactor 
• Shovel 
• Wheelbarrow

Removing Existing Vegetation

Start by marking the edges of the area where the turf will go. This helps you cover just the right amount of space. Here is the general process:

1. Use a sod cutter or shovel to dig up any grass and plants.
2. Dig out about 6 inches of topsoil to make room for the base.
3. Clear away rocks, roots, and any other debris to get a smooth surface.

Creating a Stable Base

A well-prepared base helps with drainage and keeps the turf from shifting:

1. Mix equal parts sand and pea stone for the base.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over the area.
3. Use a rake to smooth out the surface, creating a slight slope to help with water flow.
4. Pack the base down firmly using a plate compactor so it’s stable and ready for the turf.

Installing the Artificial Turf

Now that the area is prepped, you can start laying the artificial turf. This part of the process requires careful placement to make sure the turf looks natural.

Laying the Turf

Unroll the turf over the base, making sure there are no wrinkles or folds. Let the turf settle for a few hours to lay flat. Once it’s flattened, use a utility knife to trim the edges for a snug fit around the area. Make sure the blades of the turf all face the same direction to create a uniform look.

Securing the Turf

To prevent the turf from moving around, you’ll need to secure it properly. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use landscape staples or galvanized nails to pin down the edges, placing them every 6–8 inches.
• Pay close attention to seams and corners to make sure they’re firmly in place.
• If you have more than one piece of turf, use seam tape and adhesive to connect the sections.

Infilling the Turf

Infill is used to weigh down the turf and help keep the fibers upright, making the surface more stable and durable. Choose a good infill material like silica sand, which works well with artificial turf, then follow this process:

1. Spread the infill evenly across the turf using a drop spreader.
2. Brush the infill into the turf fibers with a power broom or stiff brush.
3. Keep adding infill until the turf feels stable and looks good.

Maintaining Artificial Turf

While artificial turf is popular for its low maintenance needs, occasional maintenance will keep it looking fresh and help it last longer.

Regular Cleaning

If you’ve got astroturf, you’ll want to do the following regularly: 

• Rinse the turf with water occasionally to wash away dust and small debris.
• Clean up spills quickly to avoid stains.
• Use a leaf blower or rake to clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Brushing and Grooming

Here are some guidelines on brushing and grooming your artificial turf: 

• Brush against the grain periodically to counteract matting.
• Use a stiff-bristle broom or power brush, especially in areas where the turf gets a lot of foot traffic.

Addressing Wear and Tear

Check the turf regularly for any damage, like small tears or seams coming apart, and fix them right away. For bigger repairs or if the turf starts to wear down, we recommend professional maintenance services.